The Old Town Autopilot 136 is part of the brand's Sportsman lineup, which emphasizes fishing functionality and user-friendly design. Measuring 13 feet and 6 inches in length, it provides ample space and stability for all your fishing needs. The standout feature of this kayak is its integration with a Minn Kota trolling motor, complete with GPS-enabled Spot-Lock technology, which is a game-changer for kayak anglers.
Old Town designed this model with convenience and performance in mind. Unlike traditional paddle-only kayaks, the Autopilot 136 offers hands-free navigation, which is perfect for anglers who want to focus on casting rather than paddling. The kayak's motor system allows it to reach speeds of up to 5 mph, providing a significant speed boost compared to paddle-powered alternatives.
Key Features of the Autopilot 136
Let’s break down some of the most notable features of the Old Town Autopilot 136 and what each of them brings to the table.
1. Minn Kota Trolling Motor with GPS Spot-Lock
The Minn Kota trolling motor integrated into the Autopilot 136 is a powerhouse in the world of kayak fishing. This 45-pound thrust motor can power the kayak to 5 mph, providing speed and power that’s rarely found in the kayak fishing market. One of the standout features of this motor is Spot-Lock, which is GPS-enabled and holds your position even in windy or wavy conditions. With the push of a button, you can anchor your kayak in place, leaving your hands free to focus on casting and reeling in your catch.
For anglers who prefer covering more ground without constant paddling, the trolling motor is a fantastic asset. It’s powered by a 12V battery (sold separately), which typically provides enough energy for an entire day of fishing. The motor is controlled via a Bluetooth remote, offering control over speed, direction, and the Spot-Lock function. This means you don’t have to fiddle with the motor itself or take your hands off your fishing rod.
2. Stability and Hull Design
The Autopilot 136 is built on a pontoon-style hull that provides excellent stability. This is especially important for anglers who prefer to stand while fishing. Stability is one of Old Town’s design hallmarks, and the Autopilot 136 is no exception, offering a solid and steady platform even when navigating rough waters. Whether you're standing to get a better view or sitting comfortably, you’ll feel stable and secure, which can significantly improve your fishing experience.
This hull design not only provides stability but also helps maintain tracking, ensuring that you stay on course even when drifting or during slower motorized movement. Additionally, the wide and flat bottom gives the kayak an impressive weight capacity of 558 pounds, allowing you to bring all the necessary fishing gear, a cooler, and any other essentials without overloading.
3. Spacious and Comfortable Deck Layout
The deck layout of the Old Town Autopilot 136 is both spacious and intelligently designed. The open cockpit offers plenty of legroom and standing space, while the padded floor adds comfort and reduces fatigue for long hours on the water. This is a thoughtful feature for anglers who often stand to cast or sight fish. The kayak also includes an adjustable and removable Element seating system that provides support and ventilation, so you remain comfortable during prolonged fishing trips.
For convenience, the kayak is outfitted with multiple gear tracks and rod holders, allowing you to customize your setup with accessories like fish finders, rod mounts, and cup holders. With dedicated spaces for gear, the Autopilot 136 ensures that all your tools are easily within reach, reducing downtime and maximizing efficiency.
4. Hands-Free Operation with Foot Pedal Steering
While the remote controls the motor’s direction and speed, the kayak also features foot pedal steering for those who want to maintain even more control over navigation. This setup allows you to keep your hands completely free for fishing, as you can steer and adjust your direction with your feet. Combined with the Spot-Lock function, this feature is especially beneficial when you’re in areas with strong currents or shifting winds, where you’d typically need constant adjustments to hold your position.
The hands-free operation of the Autopilot 136 means you can focus entirely on fishing rather than maneuvering, making it ideal for anglers who want to cover a lot of water or fish in locations that are tough to paddle through.
5. Ample Storage Options
Storage capacity is a priority in any fishing kayak, and the Autopilot 136 excels in this area. With an impressive array of storage options, you’ll have ample space for tackle boxes, bait, personal items, and any other gear you need for a day on the water.
At the front, there’s a spacious tank well that’s perfect for larger items like a cooler or tackle crate. The rear tank well is equally spacious, providing additional storage for larger items. Both storage areas are equipped with bungee cords, ensuring your items stay secure even when the water gets rough.
Additionally, there’s a dedicated battery compartment beneath the deck, specifically designed to keep the motor’s battery secure and out of the way. Old Town’s attention to detail here helps keep the deck clutter-free and maximizes available space for other gear.
Performance on the Water
When it comes to water performance, the Autopilot 136 truly shines. Thanks to its Minn Kota trolling motor, you can reach speeds of up to 5 mph, which allows you to cover more water than most traditional fishing kayaks. This is especially beneficial for anglers who like to fish in larger lakes or coastal waters, as the extra speed and range can be a game-changer.
With its sturdy hull, the kayak maintains exceptional stability, even at higher speeds. It tracks well, ensuring a smooth and straight path through the water, which is useful when you're looking to cover a lot of ground. The motorized propulsion also reduces the strain of long-distance travel, allowing you to fish in spots you may have previously avoided due to their distance.
The Spot-Lock feature, which allows the kayak to stay anchored in one spot via GPS, is a major advantage. Whether you’re fishing in current-heavy waters or just need a break without drifting, Spot-Lock keeps you stationary, letting you focus solely on fishing without worrying about your position.
Battery Life and Power Management
A 12V marine battery powers the Minn Kota motor, which you’ll need to purchase separately. The power usage varies depending on how fast you’re traveling and how frequently you use Spot-Lock. For a day of moderate use, the battery should last for around 6-8 hours, while heavier usage may drain it faster.
To maximize battery life, many anglers opt for a lithium battery, which is lighter and more efficient than traditional lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries typically offer longer run times and shorter recharge cycles, making them an excellent choice for kayakers who prioritize convenience and extended battery performance.
Pros and Cons of the Autopilot 136
Like any kayak, the Autopilot 136 has its strengths and a few limitations. Let’s take a look at both sides:
Pros
- GPS Spot-Lock Technology: Keeps you in position, allowing you to fish without worrying about drift.
- Hands-Free Operation: Both remote control and foot pedal steering allow you to keep your hands on the fishing rod at all times.
- High Stability: The pontoon-style hull design provides excellent stability, perfect for standing casts.
- Spacious Deck Layout: Plenty of room for gear and accessories with a comfortable seating arrangement.
- Excellent Speed and Range: The Minn Kota motor provides up to 5 mph of speed, making long-distance trips more manageable.
Cons
- Price: The Autopilot 136 is on the higher end of the price spectrum, especially with the added cost of a 12V battery.
- Weight: Weighing around 158 pounds with the motor, it can be challenging to transport without assistance.
- Battery Requirements: You need a quality marine battery for optimal performance, which is an additional investment.
Who is the Autopilot 136 Best Suited For?
The Old Town Sportsman Autopilot 136 is an excellent choice for serious anglers who prioritize convenience, power, and stability. It’s particularly suited for those who frequently fish in larger bodies of water, where wind and current can make paddling challenging. For anglers looking to expand their range and cover more fishing spots in less time, the motorized capabilities of the Autopilot 136 are a significant advantage.
The kayak’s stability and spacious design make it ideal for those who enjoy standing to cast, and the hands-free navigation makes it easy to focus on fishing rather than paddling. While the price may be a consideration for some, the Autopilot 136 provides unparalleled functionality and is well worth the investment for dedicated anglers.
Final Thoughts
The Old Town Sportsman Autopilot 136 has set a new standard for motorized fishing kayaks. With its Minn Kota trolling motor, GPS Spot-Lock, and thoughtful design features, it offers a unique combination of convenience, power, and stability. This kayak allows anglers to focus more on fishing and less on the hassles of positioning and paddling, making it a fantastic addition to the gear of any dedicated kayak fisherman.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro, the Autopilot 136 has the potential to enhance your fishing experience in meaningful ways. From covering more ground to staying in position without drift, it’s a kayak that truly feels like a partner on the water. If you're looking for an innovative, high-performance fishing kayak, the Old Town Autopilot 136 might just be the perfect fit for you.